Relationship between chemoresistance of lung tumours and cigarette smoking
1990

Chemoresistance in Lung Tumors and Smoking

Sample size: 160 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): M. Volm, B. Samsel, J. Mattern

Primary Institution: German Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Experimental Pathology

Hypothesis

Do lung tumors of smokers tend to be chemoresistant more frequently than tumors occurring in nonsmokers?

Conclusion

Lung tumors in smokers are more likely to be resistant to chemotherapy compared to those in nonsmokers.

Supporting Evidence

  • 75% of lung tumors in smokers were resistant to chemotherapy.
  • Only 25% of lung tumors in nonsmokers were resistant.
  • 81% of tumors in smokers were resistant compared to 53% in nonsmokers.

Takeaway

Smokers' lung tumors are often tougher to treat than those of non-smokers.

Methodology

The study measured the resistance of human non-small cell lung carcinomas using an in vitro short-term test with doxorubicin.

Limitations

The study could not separate tumor cells from stromal cells within the tumor cell suspensions.

Participant Demographics

Patients included 142 males and 18 females, with a range of ages and smoking habits.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.002

Statistical Significance

p=0.002

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